CAMPERDOWN is sweating on the extent of PJ Manivong's injury from Saturday's win over Cobden.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Co-coach Neville Swayn said the midfielder would know more about his hamstring strain on Monday after the first-year Magpie played no further part in the 19.15 (129) to 8.11 (59) victory once he came to the bench.
But in more positive news for the Magpies' faithful, Swayn confirmed vice-captain Matt Field could be fit to return from a hamstring injury and defender Brendan Richardson would be back from holiday to play Terang Mortlake.
The Magpies have discovered a new swingman among their ranks with Jack Williams providing a handy cameo up forward as he bagged seven goals, much to the pleasure of his coaching partner.
"He kicked 7.2 and he was a very good focal point," Swayn said. "We may keep looking at playing him there while he's dangerous.
"It was something we have spoken about over the last few weeks and we did it for a little bit against South (in round seven) to mix it (the forward line) up.
"He is enjoying it as he has always played as a backman, even when he was at Werribee he was in the back line and here he has always been a backman so it's a good change for him."
MORE FOOTBALL:
Swayn was happy with the Magpies' progression, which was highlighted by one area of their game which shone against Cobden, after a tough opening month of the season.
"I was happy with our pressure," he said. "It has been there since we lost against South but we were happy there as well and it's something that we have been improving every week.
"I'm happy with our progression and our pressure across board was really good and forced them into errors."
Cobden coach Adam Courtney sat back after a game for the first time this season and didn't have to worry about a new injury to one of his players.
"Almost every game we have had an injury but we got through free this time, which was good and hopefully we can get three or four back," he said.
"Chris Paatsch (calf), Jesse Williamson (knee) are both feeling good, Daniel Watson has missed since round one with a hamstring, Sam Uwland (elbow) has been out since round three and Patty Smith (illness) was a late out.
"That leaves five out and we get back half of our injury list and to get back a few is a positive for us as we have been lacking experience but we have fought it out and we'll take the positives and keep working away."
Courtney said his side needed to iron out its kinks if it was to find its best form.
"We played good footy in patches, we moved the ball well at times and when you play good sides you have got to be accountable," he said.
"We have to make sure we are switched on and follow instructions as we're a very young side and I just have to keep driving those same messages.
"There has been big improvements since round one and we are trying to continue to improve as the season goes along."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.